Factors Affecting Effectiveness of Contract Management on the Success of Irrigation Project: A Case Study of Buno Bedele Zone

Abstract

The study sought to assess the factors that affect effectiveness of contract management on the success of irrigation projects in Buno Bedele Zone. The specific objectives were to: determine technical capability factors that affect the success of irrigation projects; assess cost related factors that affect the success of irrigation project; examine supplier‟s compliance with terms and conditions that affect the success of irrigation project and assess the influence of closely monitoring on irrigation projects. The study adopted descriptive research design. Besides, questionnaires and interviews were used to collect the data from contractors involved in project, zone project team members, staff (employees) and zone office managers. Moreover, the census sampling technique was adopted to identify the study‟s sample size which involved selection of all members of population. For this reason, a total of 41 participants were considered for the questionnaire. In addition seven participants were interviewed for additional information. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that technical capability related factors such as work experience of the contractor and poor site management are the major causes of project failure. The study also found that monitoring during construction is critical to ensure quality products and delivery of projects. They study found that poor utilization of mobilization advance has a negative effect on construction projects‟ success. The study also found that availability and failure of equipment was another factor that can adversely affect project success. Finally, the study recommends that zonal team members have to place strong formal monthly inspections of supplier technical evaluation with clear criteria depends on the control of Schedule, quality, compliance with specification, risk, scope, dispute resolution and cost with regular reporting. The government should adopt stringent measures which would arrest the cost related factors. The government should also be consistent from contract creation through to tracking milestones and contract renewal